The History of Steele School from the Director

Once upon a time there was a Christian School for 5-18 year old children. It was called Maranatha Christian School. It was a wonderful school that operated at 71st and Oak Street for over 30 years on a beautiful campus with 15 acres, 5 playgrounds, and a petting zoo full of ponies, sheep, goats, ducks, and geese. It was a happy place and the children and staff loved it. In 2011 they decided it was time to retire and sold the campus to a charter school named Two Roads Charter School.

The staff of the child care center were sad to think that their center would be closing but Two Roads opted to keep the childcare open so the dedicated staff stayed with the new administration under Ms. Lana Wagner. Lana was an amazing person to work for. She cared deeply for the staff and children. And so the child care center continued.

We were a happy crew for about three years until Two Roads came to us one day and let us know that they would no longer be able to remain on that beautiful campus and were swapping campuses with Lincoln Academy. We were heartbroken but prepared to close the center in May of 2013.

But all was not lost! We were able to find a new building. With a mighty budget of $0 and A LOT of hard work from parents and staff, we renovated our new home over the summer of 2013 to open as the Steele School for Early Learning in August of 2013, with 8 children. Our current enrollment is around 72 children.

And we plan to live happily ever after.

Please meet our wonderful staff:

Mrs. Sarah

Hello! I am the Assistant Director and the Infant Nursery Supervisor / Team Lead. I was born in California and moved to Colorado in 2008. I have been working with children for 20 years. I graduated from the University of Wyoming and Cal State Fullerton with Early Childhood Education along with my CDA (Child Development Associate) from Ellis University. My husband and I have been together since 1997 and married in 2009. We have an adorable son and 2 amazing pit bulls.

Ms. Christie

I’m one of the Infant Nursery Supervisor in the Infant Room. I’ve been working with children for over 10 years. I’m working on my Bachelors in Early Education and hope to finish soon.

I love the Infant room where I work. Working with infants is rewarding because they all have different little personalities and the many development stages they are all at. This is why I like the infant room so much.

My hobbies include spending time with my kids and grandchildren, cooking, baking, canning and reading for enjoyment.

Ms. Melanie

I am an Infant Nursery Supervisor. I came here when we moved from the Farm at Two Roads Charter School. What I enjoy is that we all came here together and formed our own sort of family. I have worked with infants and school age children for 16 years. I love working with infants because they are a reminder that there is always a new beginning for all things. Children are all a different kind of flower, we only need to stand back and watch them grow into a beautiful garden.

Mrs. Erin

I used to work with Pre-K and School Age and decided to change it up and work with younger children after having my own. I love to see the kids grow and change every day. It also presents a different challenge and excitement every day.

I enjoy handing out with my husband and 2 amazing children!! Going to the zoo, museums and the aquarium. Grand Lake and cooking. I have 4 years of experience working with children.

Ms. Danean

I am the intermediate teacher. I am a native to Colorado born and raised. I recently graduated from Red Rocks with my AAS in Early Childhood and have worked with young children for many years now. I truly love teaching young children and watching them grow.Fun Facts about me: I come from a big family and I have 13 aunts and uncles. My favorite subjects to learn and explorer are Astronomy and Mythology. I have collected unicorns since the I was 6 years old. I work on my own vehicles. I love to read sci-fi and fantasy novels. My dream vacation is to go to Ireland. I would love to see where my family came from.

Mrs. Krista

I am the director at Steele School. My mother worked in childcare as I grew up, which gave me great exposure and support. I have been working in Early Childhood education for over 10 years. I graduated with my Directors certificate and my AAS in ECE. My love for children and to be able to make an impact in just one life was my drive to choose this field. My husband of 11 years and I have one wonderful son. He is the light of our lives and teaches me every day. I love working with the people that are one big family.

Ms. Paris

My birthday is on Halloween but that is not my favorite holiday. I love Christmas because of the snow and seeing my whole family. I love all animals, especially sloths! My hobbies consist of sleeping and spending time with my friends and family.

Ms. Alyssa

I was born and raised in Colorado. Eventually, I want to work my way up to a general ed or special ed teacher. Being around kids and seeing their faces every morning is what I enjoy the most!

Ms. Althea

I am an artist and musician. I received most of my primary and secondary education at Waldorf schools, which have a strong emphasis on imagination and the arts. I pursued philosophy and art at community college as well as one ECE class which I enjoyed. I have a 5-year-old son who attended Steele School for 4 years. He loved coming here. I am so happy to be a part of the team!

Ms. Nina

I have been working with children since 1997. I have three sons. I have lived in Colorado for 33 years. I love to fish and go to concerts. I was born in Hawaii, and I have lived all over the US. I also lived in Germany. I am group leader qualified and have worked with all age groups. I love working with my toddlers!

Ms. Kim

I am very excited to be here at Steele School. I have been teaching for over 15 years. I was born and raised in Colorado. I went to college in California and received my Associates in Early Childhood Education. I have mostly taught in preschool and pre-k. I love all ages!! I have a 6-year-old daughter who I adopted and a 4-year-old foster daughter who I hope to adopt. I am looking forward to getting to know all the kids and watching them grow and learn.

Ms. Amy

I am part of the administration team at Steele School For Early Learning. I have my MBA and an ECE Teaching certificate. I am a US Army combat veteran and have now been in the childcare industry for over 8 years. I am excited to make a difference in a child’s life.

Ms. Miranda

Hi! I have one daughter. I have lived in Colorado for most of my life. I went to Pickens Tech for my Early Childhood Education Certificate.

I love working with children of all ages.

Ms. Rose

I am a full-time mom to three wonderful boys and a part-time student at UC Denver currently working towards attaining my BA in Criminal Justice. In the meantime, I am currently doing what I love the most, working with kids here at Steele School as the Toddler 2 teacher.

Mrs. Pimporn

I was born and raised in Thailand. I have a BA in Education. I came to the USA in 2007 and lived in Minnesota for 7 years. I married my husband Michael and we have one son, Mykai who attends Steele School. In July 2014, we relocated to Colorado and live in the Arvada area. I have been working with children for more than 8 years and enjoy it very much. They are very silly and are like a ray of sunshine to me.